NTSB wants urgent safety review of regional Alaska air services
The National Transportation Safety Board has called for a wide ranging safety audit of Alaskan air travel, following two fatal crashes and a number of near misses in the last two years.
In a letter it asked the Federal Aviation Administration for an "urgent safety recommendation" of HoTH Inc., the parent company of Hageland Aviation, Frontier Flying Service and Era Aviation air commuter services in the state.
The NTSB also called for the FAA in Alaska itself to be audited regarding its inspector qualifications, and working relationships with the airlines.
"Without immediate assessment and evaluation, additional accidents and loss of life may occur," the NTSB said.
The FAA will respond to NTSB recommendations within 90 days, said agency spokesman Allen Kenitzer.
He also said the FAA began increased auditing of Hageland Aviation in 2011, which now operates under the Ravn Connect brand name.
On April 8, a Ravn Connect Cessna aircraft crashed near Kwethluk, killing two crew members.
Ravn Connect is the state’s largest charter service operating 1,200 flights a week.
The NTSB noted six accidents by the airlines since September 2012, including four in the last six months.
After an earlier accident, HoTH management took some steps to reduce risks but NTSB officials said a comprehensive review is required to address what it describes as "system deficiencies and long-standing issues of non-compliance with FAA regulations and policies."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events